Summary
Cinnamon is popular spice worldwide. It exerts numerous biological effects on the body.
Cinnamon is frequently treated as an anti-diabetic compound, since it reduces the rate at which glucose enters the body. Not only does it help diabetics avoid blood sugar spikes, but it also improves glucose use in the cell itself.
Over time, cinnamon can reduce fasting blood glucose, and potentially cholesterol levels as well.
Cinnamon does not need to be purchased specifically as a supplement, and can be found in grocery stores. It does contain a liver toxin called coumarin, which can be harmful in high doses. Making cinnamon tea can reduce the risk of coumarin poisoning, since the toxin is left behind in the leftover sediment. Ceylon cinnamon, which is dervied from a different plant species, has lower levels of coumarin, which makes it a better supplement option.
What are other names for Cinnamon
- Chinese (Saigon) cinnamon
- Cassia Cinnamon
- Indonesian Cinnamon
- Ceylon/True Cinnamon
Dosage information
The standard dose for anti-diabetic purposes is 1-6g of cinnamon daily, taken with carbohydrate containing meals.
Ceylon cinnamon is always a better supplemental option than cassia cinnamon, due to the lower coumarin content.
Research FeedRead all studies
In this meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials, herbal supplements improved nasal symptoms, compared to a placebo, in participants with allergic rhinitis. However, the low quality of the studies limits our confidence in the results.